Support pad for a laptop computer

ABSTRACT

A support pad for a laptop computer includes a laptop abutting surface and an opposite surface, the laptop abutting surface for contacting a lower surface of the laptop computer. A plurality of channels is provided in the laptop abutting surface for minimizing contact between the laptop abutting surface and the laptop computer and for facilitating heat dissipation from the laptop computer. A thickness of the support pad is sized to minimize heat transfer therethrough.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support pad for a laptop computer and in particular, a support pad for dissipating heat from a lower surface of the laptop computer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable laptop computers operate at high temperatures and require proper ventilation in order to operate efficiently. Heat build-up in laptop computers can reduce battery life, damage critical components and cause the laptop to shut down at inopportune times resulting in the loss of important data. Heat build-up may also cause damage to work surfaces and further poses a health risk to operators who use the laptop computer in a laptop configuration.

Laptop computers are designed to cool themselves; however, they require unrestricted ventilation to their lower surfaces in order to do so. Laptops typically include risers that are mounted at each of the corners to provide a gap between the lower surface of the laptop from the surface on which it is resting. In order for the risers to function properly, the operator must use the laptop on a hard planar surface, such as a desk, for example. It is often desirable, however, to use the laptop computer in the laptop configuration with the lower surface of the computer resting on the operator's lap or another non-ventilating surface, such as a bed, for example. Such surfaces inhibit proper cooling of the laptop computer by restricting air flow to the lower surface thereof. Further, little or no heat dissipation occurs through the non-ventilating surfaces and therefore, the risk of heat build-up in the laptop computer is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support pad for a laptop computer including a laptop abutting surface and an opposite surface, the laptop abutting surface for contacting a lower surface of the laptop computer, a plurality of channels provided in the laptop abutting surface, the plurality of channels for minimizing contact between the laptop abutting surface and the laptop computer and for facilitating heat dissipation from the laptop computer and a thickness sized to minimize heat transfer through the support pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the following Figures in which like numerals denote like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a laptop abutting surface of a laptop support pad according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing an opposite surface of the laptop support pad of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the laptop support pad of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the laptop support pad of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section on 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the laptop support pad of FIG. 1 being used in a laptop configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the laptop support pad of FIG. 1 being used in a desktop configuration;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a laptop abutting surface of a laptop support pad according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is an isometric view showing a laptop abutting surface of a laptop support pad according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a laptop support pad 10 is generally shown. The laptop support pad 10 is generally a one-piece body 12 that is made of foam or another suitable insulating material. The one-piece body 12 includes a laptop abutting surface 14, an opposite surface 16 and left, right, top and bottom edges, 18, 20, 22 and 24, respectively. The edges 18, 20, 22, 24 form a continuous border around the support pad 10.

Referring also to FIGS. 3 and 4, multiple heat dissipation channels 26 are provided in the laptop abutting surface 14 so that the laptop abutting surface 14 is made up of a plurality of ribs 15. First channels 28 extend between the left edge 18 and the right edge 20 of the support pad 10. The first channels 28 are linear and extend generally parallel to one another. Second channels 30 initiate at the top edge 22 and extend towards the bottom edge 24. As shown, the second channels 30 intersect each of the first channels and the distance between the second channels 30 gradually decreases as the distance from the top edge 22 increases. A third arc-shaped channel 32 initiates and terminates at the top edge 22 without intersecting any of the other channels 28, 30. In one embodiment, an aspect ratio between the channel depth and the channel width of first channels 28 is greater than 1 and a pitch between the first channels 28 is greater than twice the channel width.

The laptop support pad 10 has a generally constant thickness, as shown in FIG. 5, and increases in height from the bottom edge 24 to the top edge 22. The thickness is determined based on the heat conductivity of the laptop support pad material to provide a temperature gradient of at least 15° C. between the laptop abutting surface 14 and the opposite surface 16.

The support pad 10 further includes a wrist rest 34, which is generally flat and free of channels 26, located adjacent the bottom edge 24.

When used in a laptop configuration, the laptop abutting surface 14 of the support pad 10 contacts a lower surface 38 of a laptop computer 36 and opposite surface 16 rests on a user's lap 40, as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, when used in a desktop configuration, the laptop abutting surface 14 of the support pad 10 contacts the lower surface 38 of the laptop computer 36 and opposite surface 16 rests on a desktop 42, as shown in FIG. 7.

The heat dissipation channels 26 in the support pad 10 minimize the amount of contact between the laptop abutting surface 14 and the laptop computer 36 so that conductive heat transfer between the laptop computer and the support pad 10 is minimized. The channels 26 further facilitate heat dissipation from the laptop computer 36 by directing air flow through the channels 26.

In addition to facilitating heat dissipation, the support pad 10 shields the surface on which it is resting from the heat of the laptop computer 36. Thus, heat that is absorbed by the support pad 10 is not transferred to the user's lap 40 or the desktop 42.

In use, the support pad 10 is placed on the user's lap 40, or a desktop 42, and the laptop computer 36 is positioned on the laptop abutting surface 14 of the support pad 10. In addition to their function in heat dissipation, the channels 26 provide a non-slipping surface so that the laptop computer 36 does not shift once it has been positioned on the support pad 10. The support pad 10 is sized to accommodate laptop computers 42 that are up to 17 inches wide. Smaller laptop computers 36 are positioned close to the top edge 22 of the support pad 10 so that the user may take advantage of the wrist rest 34.

The incline of the support pad 10 improves ergonomics for the user by reducing eyestrain and wrist strain. Further, because the support pad 10 is made of foam material, it is flexible and therefore, comfortable for the user when it is used in the laptop configuration. The foam material is closed cell, non-marking, water and mildew resistant so that the support pad 10 will not mark clothing when used in the laptop configuration and will not damage surfaces when used in the desktop configuration.

Referring to FIG. 8, a support pad 10 a according to another embodiment is generally shown. The support pad 10 a is similar to the support pad 10 of FIG. 1, however, the support pad 10 a includes a wrist rest 34 a that is raised beyond laptop abutting surface 14 a. In use, a forward edge of a laptop computer (not shown) abuts an upwardly extending surface 44 of wrist rest 34 a. The raised wrist rest 34 a of this embodiment functions along with channels 26 a to resist slipping of the laptop on the support pad 10 a. Further, the raised wrist rest 34 a provides additional comfort to the user because the wrist rest 34 a is generally flush with a keypad surface (not shown) of the laptop computer.

Referring to FIG. 9, a support pad 10 b according to yet another embodiment is generally shown. In this embodiment, ribs 15 b extend only partway along the width of the support pad 10 b between left and right edges 18 b and 20 b. Channels 28 b are provided between the ribs 1 b. In this embodiment, the increased aspect ratio of the ribs 15 b results in less contact between laptop abutting surface 14 b and the laptop computer than in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

In another embodiment, the support pad 10 is sized to accommodate particular models of laptop computers. Such laptop computer models may be larger or smaller than 17 inches wide.

In another embodiment, the support pad 10 is made of any one or a combination of: rigid foam, thermoplastic, metal, metal foil and open celled foam. A decorative fabric covering may further be included.

The support pad 10 may be manufactured using a thermoforming process. Alternatively, the support pad 10 may be injection molded, stamped, vacuum formed or manufactured using another suitable process.

A specific embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described herein. However, modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the laptop support pad 10 has been described for use on a lap or a desktop, it will be appreciated that the support pad 10 may be used on any surface. All such modifications and variations are believed to be within the sphere and scope of the present invention. 

1. A support pad for a laptop computer comprising: a laptop abutting surface and an opposite surface, said laptop abutting surface for contacting a lower surface of said laptop computer; a plurality of first channels and a plurality of second channels provided in said laptop abutting surface, said plurality of first and second channels for minimizing contact between said laptop abutting surface and said laptop computer and for facilitating heat dissipation from said laptop computer; and a thickness sized to minimize heat transfer through said support pad.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A support pad as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first channels extend between a left edge and a right edge of said support pad.
 4. A support pad as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second channels initiate at a top edge of said support pad and extend towards a bottom edge of said support pad, said second channels intersecting each of said first channels.
 5. A support pad as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first channels are linear and extend generally parallel to one another.
 6. A support pad as claimed in claim 4, wherein a distance between said second channels decreases between said top edge and said bottom edge.
 7. A support pad as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a wrist rest provided adjacent a bottom edge of said support pad.
 8. A support pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support pad is made of a flexible material.
 9. A support pad as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support pad is made of foam material.
 10. A support pad as claimed in claim 7, wherein said wrist rest is raised from said laptop abutting surface.
 11. A support pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein an aspect ratio of said channels, between channel depth and channel width, is greater than
 1. 12. A support pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pitch of said channels is greater than twice the channel width.
 13. A support pad as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thickness provides a temperature gradient of at least 15° C. between said laptop abutting surface and said opposite surface. 